Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.), the longest serving senator, died early Monday; Patricia Murphy at Politics Daily has an obit that looks at the sweep of his career.

Below, statements from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.)....

"Senator Byrd carried a copy of our Constitution close to his heart every day. It was a constant reminder of his life's mission to honor the values which gave us this great nation.

No one in the history of the Senate could match Byrd's thunderous oratory; his sense of history; his determination to teach every President the limits of his power and his lifelong passion to fight for West Virginia.

Daniel Webster, set another chair at Heaven's table, Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia has arrived."

Burris Statement on the Passing of Senator Robert C. Byrd


"Early this morning, our nation lost an icon and a national treasure. I was deeply saddened to hear of Senator Robert C. Byrd's passing, and offer my heartfelt condolences to his friends and loved ones in this difficult time. For decades, Sen. Byrd faithfully served the people of West Virginia. He became a legend in his own time, and in many ways came to embody the institution of the United States Senate. As a leader, and as guardian of this chamber's procedure and tradition, Sen. Byrd was without equal. His legacy of public service, and his remarkable journey from West Virginia coal country into the annals of history, should serve as an inspiration to us all."

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